Ethiopian Orthodox Christians Celebrate Fasika in Washington

Ethiopian Orthodox Christians in Washington, D.C., marked Easter, known as Fasika in Amharic, with a series of deeply rooted traditions that culminated in an overnight service on April 11-12, 2026. This celebration, which occurs a week after Catholic and Protestant Easter, is the most significant time in the Ethiopian Orthodox church calendar, emphasizing the resurrection of Christ. The Re'ese Adbarat Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church, serving approximately 4,000 congregants weekly, hosted around 1,500 attendees for the overnight service, which concluded at 3 a.m. on Easter Sunday.

The observance of Fasika involves an intense week of rituals, including a 55-day fasting period where believers abstain from meat and animal products. Archdeacon Getahun Atlaw noted, “We dress in white so that we are groomed for heaven,” highlighting the spiritual significance of the attire during this sacred time. The overnight service featured a Divine Liturgy led by priests, known as "kesis," who chanted and performed rituals symbolizing Christ's triumph over evil.

The Ethiopian Orthodox community in the U.S. has faced challenges, particularly regarding immigration policies. Many members have been affected by efforts from the Trump administration to revoke temporary protected status for over 5,000 Ethiopians. However, a recent federal court ruling blocked this decision, providing some relief. Deacon Jonathan Melaku remarked on the resilience of the community, stating, “It takes a grind and courage to get to where they’re at.”

Sebawit Yirsaw, a church member who immigrated from Ethiopia 16 years ago, expressed the emotional connection many feel during Fasika, emphasizing the need for salvation amid life's hardships. The church's services are not only a spiritual refuge but also a means of preserving cultural identity for first- and second-generation Ethiopian Americans.

Following the Easter service, congregants participated in breaking their fast with traditional Ethiopian dishes, such as doro wat, a spicy chicken stew. The communal aspect of the celebration is vital, as families gather to share meals and reinforce cultural traditions. Selamawit Tekola emphasized the importance of these gatherings, stating, “When Selama says, take off work and show up, it’s not optional.”

The celebration also included the sharing of honey wine, known as Tej, and Ethiopian coffee, further enriching the communal experience. Tekola reflected on the significance of maintaining these traditions for future generations, asserting, “I was born Orthodox and I respect it, I love it. So that means a lot for us.”

• “The climax is the resurrection because if there was no resurrection, there would be no Christianity.” — Abraham Habte-Sellassie, Kesis

• “Our people will always stay resilient.” — Jonathan Melaku, Deacon

• “The celebration is so joyful that you don’t even feel that you’re tired,” — Amanuel Argaw, Deacon

The Easter celebrations at the Re'ese Adbarat Debre Selam Kidist Mariam Church not only reaffirm the faith of Ethiopian Orthodox Christians but also serve as a testament to their enduring cultural identity in the United States.